New Hampshire House Bill HB1401

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/1/21
• Refer: 12/1/21
• Report Pass: 3/3/22
• Report DNP: 3/3/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/5/22
• Report DNP: 4/26/22

Caption

Prohibiting the disclosure of the number of miles driven by a specific driver licensed by the state or vehicle registered in the state.

Impact

If passed, HB 1401 would significantly alter the handling of motor vehicle records within the state of New Hampshire. By preventing disclosure of mileage data without owner consent, the bill reinforces the privacy rights of individuals concerning their vehicle usage. This change could have implications on how local and state authorities access and utilize vehicle records for enforcement of motor vehicle tax laws, potentially limiting their capacity to ensure compliance and assess tax liabilities accurately.

Summary

House Bill 1401 is a legislative proposal that aims to prohibit the disclosure of motor vehicle mileage information by the state's Department of Safety and inspection stations. The bill mandates that specific mileage information about a driver or vehicle cannot be shared with public authorities who enforce motor vehicle tax laws unless consent is given by the vehicle's owner, lessee, or renter. This legislation reflects growing concerns regarding personal privacy and data protection in state-held records.

Contention

The bill has been met with some debate. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to protect citizens from unnecessary surveillance and ensure individuals have control over their personal data. Critics, however, may express concerns that the bill could hinder efforts to enforce vehicle taxation effectively, raising questions about revenue implications from vehicle taxes that are reliant on accurate mileage reporting. Discussions around this bill indicate a balancing act between privacy rights and governmental oversight in tax enforcement.